Karan Capsule | Lithuanian Designer Office Wear
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2026-10-09
Attempts to create what we today call a capsule wardrobe or collection can be traced back to the late nineteenth century.
Even back then, as more women joined the workforce in offices and the variety of ready-to-wear clothing expanded, the search began for better ways to combine garments with one another.
The first conceptually innovative step toward creating a capsule clothing system was taken by American designer Claire McCardell in 1942, when she introduced "5 Easy Pieces" – a collection crafted from practical fabrics for working women's everyday wear.
However, the full evolution of the capsule collection (or wardrobe) concept took another few decades. It was created and named "capsule wardrobe" in 1973 by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique.
In her boutique, "Wardrobe," S. Faux sold pieces from well-known brands such as Jil Sander, Giorgio Armani, and others. She was an innovator in recommending that clothes from different designers be mixed and matched to create unique combinations. (A philosophy we embrace at "Baltas Miškas" as well!)
Whether designer Donna Karan was familiar with Susie Faux's work when introducing her famous 1985 "Seven Easy Pieces" collection remains unknown, but it was precisely her collection that popularized the idea of a capsule clothing system on a global scale.
It was a revolutionary idea – seven matching garments that provided the opportunity to build a complete, polished look.
Although described as seven individual pieces, this concept actually defines seven core capsule wardrobe categories:
- Bodysuit (bodysuit or leotard): A snap-closure bodysuit blouse.
- Wrap skirt: A soft, wrap-style sarong skirt (heavily inspired by Diane von Fürstenberg).
- Classic blazer: An elegant blazer with a gently structured shoulder line.
- Wide-leg trousers: High-waisted, fluidly draped trousers.
- Cashmere sweater: A soft cashmere sweater designed for layering.
- White silk shirt: A classic, lightweight silk or chiffon blouse.
- Leather jacket or coat: Outerwear.
Unlike later interpretations of the capsule wardrobe, which often promote minimalism and conscious consumption, Donna Karan did not aim for a minimalist closet. Her goal was to design a system that helped women with demanding professional careers dress with less effort while looking stylish.
Therefore, these seven categories serve as a connecting foundation that helps blend any number of wardrobe pieces seamlessly.
Beyond the core capsule system concept, Donna Karan pursued several additional goals.
One was to create women's office attire that was not merely a feminized version of menswear, but designed for women from the ground up.
The snap-closure bodysuit became the centerpiece of this vision. Donna Karan, who actively practiced yoga and frequently wore leotards in her personal time, built the capsule starting from this foundational layer. All other elements in the system were styled around this piece, which sat closest to the body and was transformed into a universal essential in D. Karan's vision.
Her second objective was ensuring that the capsule garments offered coordinated outfits suitable both for a day at the office and for evening leisure.
Thirdly – everything had to fit into a single small suitcase.
With subtle modern nuances, Donna Karan's fashion aesthetic – broad-shouldered, oversized blazers and draped trousers paired with a fitted base layer – remains just as compelling today. Equally relevant and vibrant is the concept of a cohesive, harmonious capsule wardrobe.
In this newsletter, we have curated three outfits crafted by Lithuanian designers, perfect for the office and beyond.
View All Lithuanian Designer Office Outfits
Amber and Suede
In this ensemble, a interplay of grey-brown tones creates a harmonious whole.A midi-length shirt dress featuring a shirt collar, kimono sleeves, and a waist belt provides a serene, refined backdrop for organic Baltic honey- and cherry-colored amber jewelry and a sculpturally shaped suede handbag.
THREE IDEAS: Autumn Accessories
One of the many joys of autumn is that cooler weather opens up vast opportunities to embrace layering and accessories for stylistic expression, rather than sheer practical necessity.Flowing Classics
This soft grey trouser suit, crafted from fine Italian 100% wool, paired with a soft sky-blue shirt (made from 100% organic cotton), allows you to achieve a cultivated style effortlessly.Doubly Right
The Jäger Woollen System we highlighted a few weeks ago and this week's Donna Karan bodysuit have something key in common.Both creators shared a conviction in the fundamental importance of the layer worn closest to the skin. Jäger's focus was primarily directed toward the positive health benefits that wool offered against the body, whereas Donna Karan valued a fitted bodysuit first and foremost for its comfort and sleek aesthetic.
A merino wool thermal suit unites both of these philosophies.
A full-body seamless cashmere suit allows you to enjoy all the natural benefits of wool, while its stretchable, elegant structure enables it to be worn as an outer layer as well.
Enveloped in Pastels
In this ensemble, a fine-knit top and skirt (crafted from an exceptionally soft blend of 70% cashmere and 30% merino wool) form a delicate focal point. The soft brown base serves as a beautifully matching inner layer under a blazer, or stands alone as a complete outfit on its own.A structured blazer made from durable merino wool updates classic styling with elegant and functional back detailing designed to accent the waist.
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